A MEMBER of the ANC, Thabelo Nalana, claims he was assaulted by a member of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) near the Beitbridge border post last Friday, for looking like a Malawian.
Nalana (37), from Mutale, was coming from Malawi with others when SANDF members stopped their taxi to search them. He said one of the soldiers went straight to the driver and told him to pay a bribe of R100 cash, so that they did not search. “The taxi driver refused to pay a bribe and gave them the chance to search. One of them became angry with the driver. He quickly opened the front door and said, ‘Let me start with this Malawian man’.
“He pulled me out and hit me several times in the ribs. He ordered me to give him R100 and I refused. He continue assaulting me. What worries me is that the man never asked to see my passport,” he said.
“I asked one of the soldiers to show me their commander. I talk to him and he apologised for what happened. The commander requested one of the soldiers to take me to Musina in order to get another taxi. But the one who assaulted me told me to go, and to the highest office in the country, as he was untouchable. I have opened an assault case at the Musina police station,” Nalana said.
Musina police spokesperson, Lt Peter Mudau confirmed that an assault case had been opened against a member of the SANDF. Mudau said the case was still under investigation and more information would be disclosed later.
